Celia Mead appointed Open House Festival Director

London-based charity Open City has today appointed Celia Mead as Open House Festival Director.

As Director, Celia will lead world’s largest and most inclusive festival of architecture and neighbourhoods in collaboration with chief curator Zoë Cave and the wider staff and volunteer team.

Celia is an experienced management consultant who has run organisations such as London Historic Buildings Trust; Bath Festivals; parts of the National Trust; a medical research institute and a place-making organisation. She has worked in Museums and heritage organisations, and as a trustee, she leads on income generation for Fairfield House (home of Emperor Haile Selassie I in exile) and for London Parks and Gardens Trust.

Celia Mead said:

‘I’m attracted by the ethos of the Open House Festival in making London more open, accessible and equitable. As well as by my burning curiosity to get inside places and have a look, especially where I’m not normally allowed! I’ve been really impressed by the creativity coming from communities taking part, the sheer variety of places and by the thoughtful curatorial approach of the team.  I’m looking forward to playing my part in making this festival a shining beacon for enjoyment, discovery and even community cohesion and civic participation in London life’.

Phineas Harper, chief executive of Open City, the charity which has run the Open House Festival for 30 years said:

‘I’m thrilled to welcome Celia to Open City. She brings diverse and extensive experience from across the heritage and third sectors that will help power our much-loved Open House Festival to new heights. Open House London Festival exists to empower citizens of all backgrounds to see, explore, understand and have a voice in the future of London. I can’t wait to see what Celia acomplishes.’

Open House Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, having run ever year (including throughout the pandemic) since 1992 thanks to donations from the public, and sponsorship from the London boroughs and leading private sector organisations. The dates for the 2023 edition of the festival will be announced this month.